معرفی
Karen B. Plaster serves as Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Curricular & Instructional Studies at The University of Akron's LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education, where she concurrently directs The Urban STEM Center. Her career at Akron spans clinical faculty roles (2010-2016), Assistant Professor of Practice (2016-2017), and current Associate Professor position since 2018, with specialized focus on integrating engineering principles into elementary mathematics instruction through Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship initiatives.
Her academic foundation includes:
- M.S. in Integrated Mathematics with Licensure (Grades 7-12), The University of Akron (2010)
- B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University (1993)
Dr. Plaster's research pioneers the fusion of engineering design challenges with K-6 mathematics pedagogy, emphasizing real-world problem-solving through FIRST LEGO League frameworks. She develops teacher training models that transform abstract mathematical concepts into tactile engineering projects, particularly focusing on Mathematical Practices implementation and audio-recording technologies for supervision. Her work bridges industrial engineering methodology with classroom practice to cultivate computational thinking in underserved urban populations.
Her scholarly contributions demonstrate consistent focus on practical teacher tools, with publications analyzing feedback systems for math instruction and grant-funded engineering integration models serving as cornerstones for Northeast Ohio STEM education reform.
Major recognitions include:
- Crain’s Cleveland Business 2019 Notable Women in STEM
- Dorothy O. Jackson Award 2019 for Girls Who Code leadership
- University of Akron Excellence in Community Engagement (2016)
- State of Ohio FLL Outstanding Volunteer Award (2015)
As Co-Principal Investigator on $150,000+ in grants including Engineering for Educators (2019) and Ohio STEM Learning Network fellowships (2012-2014), she directs teacher training programs while mentoring through Girls Who Code and Code Hopper initiatives. Her professional service encompasses designing Ohio's Computer Science standards, directing regional FIRST LEGO League tournaments for 40+ teams annually, and establishing FLL training infrastructure across Northeast Ohio since 2013.
The Urban STEM Center under her co-direction partners with Rockwell Automation and the LeBron James Family Foundation to deliver engineering-mathematics integration programs across Akron Public Schools, featuring annual tournaments, coding workshops, and Math Nights that engage 500+ K-8 students through hands-on robotics challenges and family STEM events.
